By the time Thomas Hearns challenged for his first world title in his 29th professional fight, only three men had heard the final bell against the Detroit knockout specialist.
That translated to a remarkable 96 per cent knockout ratio, a reputation Hearns underlined by stopping Pipino Cuevas in just two rounds to claim the WBA welterweight title in August 1980.
Hearns’ final outing came, remarkably, in 2006, bringing to a close a 67-fight career spanning 29 years. Along the way he contested 19 world title bouts and won championships across five weight divisions. He is, of course, best remembered for his iconic battles with his fellow ‘Four Kings’ — Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.
The Ring magazine asked Hearns to name the toughest chin he faced during his career, and his answer was unequivocal.
“Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Hands down. He took a lot of shots and kept coming.”
Hearns’ devastating power collided with Hagler’s relentless pressure when the pair met in April 1985 for the undisputed middleweight title in Las Vegas. Hearns entered the bout having lost to Leonard but beaten Duran, while Hagler had edged past Duran, who was later demolished by Hearns in just two rounds.
From the opening bell, the fight erupted into a fearless exchange, with both men inviting the other to unleash their heaviest artillery. Atomic shots were traded in a brutal, uncompromising contest that lasted just eight minutes and one second.
The 15,128 in attendance at Caesars Palace watched in awe as a bloodied Hagler stalked Hearns, absorbing everything the challenger could offer before the champion’s relentless pressure told. Hearns was stopped in the third round.
What was scheduled as a 12-round marathon became a three-round sprint — and in the furnace of one of boxing’s greatest fights, Hagler proved the superior finisher.
